With the ongoing political turmoil and violence in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been pondering over alternative venues to host the upcoming 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. The T20I showpiece, originally slated to be held in Bangladesh in October, is likely to be shifted out of the country.
The ICC first approached the BCCI to host the competition but the board secretary ‘flatly’ refused the proposal citing the monsoon season in India in addition to the fact that they are scheduled to host the ODI World Cup next year.
“They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups,” BCCI Shah told The Times of India.
Now according to the daily, UAE has emerged as the top contender after India’s refusal. There are three world-class stadiums in the region including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Besides UAE, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are also in the running. A decision on the venue could be announced by this week.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to approach the United Nations (UN) to keep the hosting rights of the women’s world cup. The development came after several governments from around the world including India, England, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland advised their citizens to not travel to Bangladesh given the ongoing violence in the country amidst a coup.
As per various media reports, over 400 people have been killed in Bangladesh during demonstrations led by students.
As many as 10 countries are to take part in the women’s t20 world cup slated to start from October 3 with the final on October 20. 23 matches will be played across Dhaka and Sylhet.
